New Year New You So They Say (sigh)

Are you really a new you?  Well, only time will tell as you put your resolutions, declarations, goals, promises, etc. into motion.  Oftentimes those who scream the loudest, "New year, new you!" Don't live up to what they say personally or professionally by the end of the year.  More of the same for many the following year and the year after.  What separates those who are determined to take on a new self is discipline, determination and desire!  They know what they want; they plan for their successes and failures and they work daily, weekly or monthly until that task is crossed of the list and then on to the next one!

When I set up my writing schedule, my goals evolved around getting my books published while saving much money doing it.  I had a set period of time and I posted my approximate finish date where I could see it.  Nothing or no one was going to stop me!  I wrote when I awoke, after lunch and then again late at night when the atmosphere was most quiet.  I was content personally when my goals were reached.

Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash

Whatever you want to do, go all out!  Don't be that guy or gal who talks just to hear his or herself talk!  You are fearfully and wonderfully made!  You have the will to live, so why not live to your fullest potential?  Too often we have distractions: people, places and things that don't aid us in meeting our goals, but rather keep us in a box.  If you sincerely want to build a new you, you have to let toxic people, places and things go!  You will soon find out just how toxic they are when you start embarking on your journey to meet personal and professional goals.  I personally had to let once dear relatives and friends go, because I soon realized they didn't care too much about what I set out to accomplish especially if what I did interfered with being their hour long listening ear as well as assisting them.  Time was money and trust you me, I had once wasted a lot of it!

So many people start out on a good course, but end up abandoning it within three months of the new year.  Why?  Because they simply allow life distractions to knock them off course, old habits don't die easily, and neither do unhealthy connections.

If you sincerely want to work toward being a new you, work from the inside out!  Uplift yourself mentally, spiritually and physically first!  Do the kind of things that not only decorate you on the outside, but make you over on the inside too!  Listen to wise counselors who achieved their dreams and implement immediately what you learn.  Achievement comes with focus, perseverance, as well as a strong desire to break unhealthy partnerships.

Have a great new year building a new you!

Nicholl McGuire is the author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and the owner of this blog.

Works of Art - Just Look Around

Having looked around at the unique displays of crafters at various tradeshow events and flea markets, I have always felt so inspired to create something unique, fun and useful, but often fall short.

I don’t know what it is about my lack of focus in the creation process, sub par desire to spend quality time and money on a project, but I must admit it is there.  I usually find myself viewing a crafter’s piece, wishing to purchase it but oftentimes can’t afford it, and then walking away with a mixture of relief and disappointment.  Relief that it wasn’t me who created the piece because I know it wouldn’t have turned out so nice and disappointment because I probably could have used that fine artwork in my home.

When I think of all the works of art, I have come across in my lifetime what stands out the most are the mixed media pieces with eyes looking back at me, a single eye scattered here and there among news headlines, photographs, and acrylic lettering.  It beacons, “Look at me, study me…”  I learned later there are gods who watch us even in the midst of seemingly harmless media.

Another piece that I recall as a child was that of a woman who is looking as if she is crawling up a grassland hill.  In her dress, we only see the back of her head--her hair long.  In the distance there is a house, mountains, skyline, and more grassland.  I wanted to be there--enjoying the peaceful scene like her.  She had no worries of bugs going up her dress and she wasn’t the least bit concerned about the weather.  She was in the moment.

How often we miss being in the moment, enjoying the work in front of us.  Far too concerned with time and moving on to the next work.  We rush the viewing of what the artist meant to slow us down a bit to capture, ponder, and find the diamond in the rough.  It isn’t any wonder why some people are enslaved in their minds, they are not captivated by anything of beauty, intelligence, uniqueness or transforming. 

Appreciate the artwork wherever you might be from the canvas to the skyline--the works of love, light and peace are available if we want them.  Learn a lesson or two from the dark works and always know, your Creator with an abundance of inspiration is watching.

Nicholl McGuire is the blog owner and the author of Spiritual Poems by Nicholl and Floral Beauty on a Dead end Street

Holiday Arts ad Crafts Shows are in Abundance Every November, December

Tis the season holiday markets, festivals, craft shows and more are underway!  I was a vendor at one most recently and I can tell you that the artisans had their share of interesting pieces.  I marketed my books while others had everything from wood work, crochet items, paintings, greeting cards, health and beauty items and much more!  If you are just starting out with your craft or small business, these shows are the way to go.  They are great opportunities to network, share your work, and find out about other upcoming events.  However, what I don't suggest is paying a lot for space.  Have a budget set.  Oftentimes the smaller venues just don't have enough foot traffic.  Always ask the event planner what kind of businesses will be there particularly those who provide blood and toy drives.  Find out if any local celebrities will be there as well.  Without the foot traffic, you will be disappointed if you're objective is to make some serious traffic.  One final note, stir up some traffic for yourself.  Announce where you will be and hopefully you will have family and friends that will show support.  Happy Holidays!

Nicholl McGuire
Blog Owner

Here is a photograph of a recent event I displayed my nonfiction books and family legacy creations.  I got some sales so I was very content. Be inspired!

At another event, my son and I simply tried all sorts of fun things to make.  We sold some of our whimsical creations. 

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Pony tail holder.

Napkin ring holder

Tie back for curtains, cords or other things that get in the way.

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